Device for massaging the skin

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This document claims priority to French Application Number 06 55555, filed Dec. 15, 2006 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/884,239, filed Jan. 10, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the massaging of tissues of a part of a user's epidermis that is to be treated. The present invention also relates to the penetration of a cosmetic formula or of a care formula into the skin. More specifically, the invention relates to a device that can be used to massage locally the epidermis of a user. The device can also be used, for example, to encourage a cosmetic or care formula to penetrate the upper layers of an area being massaged.

2. Discussion of Background

U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,600 describes a massage gadget which includes a rotary container filled with a cosmetic product and a collection of balls housed in an end wall of the container. When the container is turned, the balls are given a rotational movement in a circular path. As the described gadget is applied to the face of a user, the balls also rotate on themselves and apply the product contained in the container while at the same time massaging the epidermis. A gadget such as this does not achieve a very effective massaging action. This is because the balls of the gadget essentially act to compress the skin.

To obtain satisfactory massage, it can be beneficial not only to obtain an effect whereby the skin is compressed, but also to obtain an effect of separation in order in particular to fight against the sagging of the tissue of the epidermis. To do this, FR-B-804 578 describes a massage device which includes a gripper provided with a rotary roller and each of its free ends and which when closed, allows part of the epidermis against which the rollers press to be lifted up. Because of its design, this device has the major disadvantage of squeezing the user's skin tightly as the rolls are brought closer to one another. This being the case, the massage may prove particularly unpleasant for the user.

FR-A-2 664 158 describes a gadget for massaging the skin which is provided with a body and with two rollers mounted to rotate on the body. The rollers are arranged on this body in such a way that only a peripheral region of each roller comes into contact with that part of the epidermis that is to be massaged. As a result, the size of the region massaged is dependent essentially upon the lateral spacing between the rollers. This massage gadget therefore has the major disadvantage of being relatively large in size.

FR 2 883 161 and FR 2 809 952 describe a massage gadget that includes rollers that make the gadget easier to move over the skin of the user and which at least in part delimit a chamber which is connected to a pneumatic vacuum source in order, through suction, to form at least one skin fold. A gadget such as this has the major disadvantage of entailing the use of a pneumatic means in order to form skin folds. This appreciably increases its cost price.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the light of the foregoing, one object of the present invention is to remedy the disadvantages of the earlier massage gadgets. For example, one object of the invention is to provide a compact device suited to massaging the surface of the epidermis of a user in a more effective way, which is nice and pleasant to use. Another object of the present invention is to provide a massage device that allows skin folds to be created by purely mechanical means.

A subject of the invention, according to one of its aspects, is a massage device intended to be applied to the skin and including a body, at least one massage member that is fixed relative to the body, and at least one massage member that can rotate relative to the body when moved over the skin and in contact therewith.

According to a preferred example, the mobile massage member has reliefs. At least part of the fixed massage member in contact with the skin is able to move following the path of at least part of the mobile massage member in contact with the skin so as to cause at least one skin fold to be formed between the massage members as the device is moved around.

The expression “fixed massage member” as used herein is intended to denote an element which, overall, maintains a fixed position with respect to the body as the device is moved around. The expression “reliefs” as used herein is intended here to denote means which project from the exterior surface of the mobile massage member and which constitute massage surfaces intended to come into contact with the user's skin.

At least part of the fixed massage member can be arranged so as to lie facing at least part of the mobile massage member with respect to a direction in which the device is moved around. As noted above, at least part of the fixed massage member can be arranged to follow a path of at least part of the mobile massage member. In this example configuration, the part of the fixed massage member in contact with or in engagement with the skin is projected, along the line of travel of the device, on to at least part of the mobile massage member that can move in contact with the skin. This configuration can allow an area of skin to be trapped between the two massage members with respect to the direction in which the device moves.

Because the fixed massage member has a tendency to move this region of skin in the direction of travel of the device, whereas the mobile massage member with the reliefs has a tendency to move this region of the skin in the opposite direction, the skin trapped between the two massage members forms a skin fold when the fixed massage member lies behind the mobile massage member with respect to the direction of travel of the device. Thus it can be possible to obtain a compact device that is particularly well suited to massaging the epidermis of the face or body of a user and which can be particularly effective. In this example, a skin fold can be obtained by compressing and separating the skin using mechanical means, and there is no need to provide additional suction means that add to the cost.

According to an example, the reliefs run axially over the external surface of the mobile massage member with respect to an axis of rotation of the massage member. The reliefs can be spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the external surface of the mobile massage member. The existence of raised elements combined with the use of a massage member that is fixed in its entirety relative to the body can allow a skin fold to be created between the fixed massage member and a row of raised elements provided on the exterior surface of the mobile massage member. The skin fold thus created can then be released when the mobile massage member continues to turn, and a further fold can be created when the very next row of raised elements arrives. In other words, a plurality of skin folds can be created as the device is moved around by virtue of the use of reliefs on the mobile massage member. This exemplary aspect can improve the effectiveness of the massage, particularly over a device with plain massage members that is not able to release the skin fold created but only to move around the fold created in conjunction with the movement of the device.

According to another exemplary aspect, the massage members can have an elongated overall shape. In this example, a mobile massage member and a fixed massage member can be arranged such that a longitudinal edge of the fixed massage member faces a longitudinal edge of the mobile massage member so as to cause a skin fold to be formed between the massage members. The fixed and mobile massage members each having an elongated overall shape combined with a longitudinal edge of one of the massage members lying facing a longitudinal edge of the other massage member can make it possible, by compression and separation, to create a skin fold which is substantially equal to the length of these elements.

According to another exemplary aspect the invention, the fixed massage member and the mobile massage member extend along a first axis and a second axis respectively, the axes being substantially mutually parallel. This configuration can yield particularly effective massaging with a device of a small size.

According to another example, the device includes a fixed massage member mounted between two mobile massage members. The device can include other features as well. For example, in one exemplary aspect, the device further includes a reservoir filled with a product, for example a cosmetic product. The reservoir can also act as a support for the body of the device. In other words, the body of the device can be mounted on the reservoir.

In a further example, one of the massage members includes a product outlet orifice. Advantageously, the fixed massage member can include at least the product outlet orifice. Having an outlet orifice formed on the fixed massage member can be particularly advantageous insofar as it makes it possible to cause the product to flow directly against the user's epidermis in a particularly simple way. According to another exemplary aspect of the invention, the device can further include a closure cap mounted on the body. Advantageously, the cap can includes a pin for closing off the product outlet orifice.

As an example, the body and the fixed massage member can be made as one piece. Thus, these two elements can be obtained by moulding a plastic, such as a polyamide, a polypropylene or, alternatively, a polyethylene.

Another exemplary aspect of the present invention relates to a method for massaging the skin using a device as described hereinabove. For example, a skin fold can be created solely by pressing a fixed massage member onto a region of the skin which can tend to cause a region of the skin to move in the direction of travel of the device, and by rotating a mobile massage member which, on account of the reliefs, can cause this region of the skin to move in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the device. In this example method, skin folds are created by exclusively mechanical means, without providing additional, for example pneumatic, means.

As should be apparent, the invention can provide a number of advantageous features and benefits. It is to be understood that, in practicing the invention, an embodiment can be constructed to include one or more features or benefits of embodiments disclosed herein, but not others. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the preferred embodiments discussed herein are provided as examples and are not to be construed as limiting, particularly since embodiments can be formed to practice the invention that do not include each of the features of the disclosed examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the invention will be gained from reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are offered purely as a guide and by way of example, and in no way limit the invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective depiction of an example massage device;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref> are side and plan views, respectively, of the example device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective depiction of a second example massage device;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective view of a third example massage device;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a view in cross section of a fourth example massage device;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a side view of a fifth example massage device;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a plan view of a sixth example massage device;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a plan view of a seventh example massage device;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a plan view of an eighth example massage device;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a plan view of a ninth example massage device;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a view in partial section of a tenth example massage device;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a view in section on XIII-XIII of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is an exploded perspective view of the device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a perspective view of a eleventh example massage device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals are utilized to designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The figures depict the overall structure of a massage device according to exemplary aspects of the invention, denoted by the general numerical reference <b>10</b>. The massage device <b>10</b> is intended to be used to massage the epidermis of a user and, for example, to massage his or her face, in order to combat the sagging of the tissues of the epidermis. The device <b>10</b> can, as appropriate, be used to encourage a cosmetic or care composition already applied or contained in the device to penetrate the skin.

As illustrated in the exemplary depiction in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 3</figref>, the device <b>10</b> can include a body <b>12</b> of elongated overall shape, which can be directed vertically, and massage members <b>14</b>, <b>16</b> mounted on the body <b>12</b>. As an example, the body <b>12</b> can be provided with a base <b>18</b> designed to allow a user to hold the device <b>10</b> against the palm of his or her hand, and with an upper end portion <b>20</b> that forms a shoulder <b>22</b> onto which a cap <b>24</b> (as can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) can be mounted to close or shut off the device <b>10</b>. The closure cap <b>24</b> can be designed to clip, or be mounted by any other appropriate means, onto the end portion <b>20</b> of the body <b>12</b>.

The massage member <b>14</b> is mounted fixedly with respect to the body <b>12</b>. The entire massage member <b>14</b> can be fixed in its entirety relative to the body <b>12</b>, as the device <b>10</b> is moved around. In this example, the massage member <b>14</b> adopts the form of a half roller <b>26</b> fixed across an upper frontal surface <b>30</b> of the end portion <b>20</b>. The half roller <b>26</b> or half cylinder extends longitudinally along an axis <b>28</b>. The axis <b>28</b> is the axis of the geometric cylinder that defines the half-roller <b>26</b>.

In this example, the half-roller <b>26</b> is positioned on the frontal surface <b>30</b> in such a way as to project with respect to this surface. The projection of the half-roller <b>26</b> can thus be pressed against the skin <b>32</b> of a user as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. That portion of the exterior surface of the half-roller <b>26</b> that is intended to be in contact with the skin <b>32</b> thus constitutes a massage surface of the massage member <b>14</b>. In the example illustrated, the half-roller <b>26</b> is in the form of a half cylinder of revolution. However, it will be readily appreciated that it is equally possible to envision other shapes, for example an elliptical shape.

The massage member <b>14</b> in this example is fixedly attached to the frontal surface <b>30</b> of the body <b>12</b>. In a different example, it is possible to have the body <b>12</b> and the massage member <b>14</b> formed as one, for example by moulding a synthetic material, in order to obtain a particularly economical device. As an alternative, it is even possible to obtain the massage member <b>14</b> by overmoulding a flexible synthetic material such as rubber, silicone or alternatively Santoprene® onto the body <b>12</b>.

In order allow the massage member <b>16</b> to be partially held inside the body <b>12</b>, the frontal surface <b>30</b> can include a recess <b>34</b>. Specifically, the massage member <b>16</b> in this example is produced in the form of a roller <b>36</b>, of axis <b>38</b>, which at each end has journals (unreferenced) intended to fit into housings provided for this purpose at the frontal surface <b>30</b>. The roller <b>36</b> in this example is produced in the form of a cylinder of revolution. The roller <b>36</b> can be mounted to rotate on the body <b>12</b> about the axis <b>38</b> which lies more or less at the frontal surface <b>30</b>. The axis <b>38</b> in this example is substantially parallel to the axis <b>28</b> of the half-roller <b>26</b> of the massage member <b>14</b>.

On its exterior surface, the roller <b>38</b> has reliefs that are, in this example, produced in the form of ribs <b>40</b> which extend axially over its entire length. The ribs <b>40</b> can be spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The circumferential spacing of the ribs <b>40</b> can be uniform. They constitute a massage surface of the massage member <b>16</b> which projects from the surface <b>30</b>.

As is depicted more visibly in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the axial dimensions of the half-roller <b>26</b> of the massage member <b>14</b> and of the roller <b>38</b> of the massage member <b>16</b> can be substantially equal. Furthermore, the massage members <b>14</b>, <b>16</b> can be mounted on the frontal surface <b>30</b> of the body <b>12</b> in such a way that their free ends are substantially aligned. The space occupied by the massage members <b>14</b>, <b>16</b> in this example is circumscribed inside the main cross section of the surface <b>30</b>. In other words, the massage members of this example do not project beyond the peripheral edge of the surface <b>30</b>.

The massage member <b>14</b> is positioned relative to the massage member <b>16</b> in such a way as to delimit a space <b>42</b>. Each of the massage members <b>14</b>, <b>16</b> in this example include an elongated overall shape. What is meant here by an elongated overall shape is an element that has an axial dimension appreciably greater than its radial dimension and which, in cross section, can arbitrarily have a cross section that is round, oval, etc.

As indicated above, in this example, the axis <b>28</b> of the fixed massage member <b>14</b> is substantially parallel to the axis <b>38</b> of the mobile massage member <b>16</b>. Thus, a longitudinal edge of the massage member <b>14</b> faces a longitudinal edge of the massage member <b>16</b>, and the distance separating the edges being kept constant.

As an example, when using the device <b>10</b>, the user presses the ribs <b>40</b> that constitute the massage surfaces of the roller <b>36</b> of the massage member <b>16</b> and the half-roller <b>26</b> of the massage member <b>14</b> against that part of the skin <b>32</b> that is to be massaged, and moves the device <b>10</b> in a translational movement in the direction X (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) perpendicular to the axes <b>28</b> and <b>38</b>. The exterior surface of the half-roller <b>26</b> of the fixed massage member <b>14</b> that forms a massage surface exerts pressure on a region of the skin, and this tends to cause this region of the skin to move in the direction X of travel of the device. At the same time, one of the ribs <b>40</b> of the massage member <b>16</b> which is rotated about the axis <b>38</b> tends to move this region of the skin in the opposite direction to the direction X of travel. This region of the skin is thus stretched out in two opposing directions.

The region of the skin sandwiched between the massage members <b>14</b>, <b>16</b> thus has a tendency to move in the direction of the space <b>42</b> in the direction tangential to the direction X of travel of the device. Thus, the action of the mobile massage member <b>16</b> combined with that of the massage member <b>14</b> can make it possible to create a skin fold between the half-roller <b>26</b> and one of the ribs <b>40</b> of the roller <b>36</b>. As the roller <b>36</b> continues to turn, the skin fold thus formed can be released and then another fold can be formed when the immediately next rib <b>40</b> arrives. This then can be a particularly effective way of compressing the skin and of introducing a separation effect between the massage members <b>14</b>, <b>16</b> in respect of each of the skin folds created in turn.

Furthermore, in this example, the length of skin compressed and separated between the members as the device <b>10</b> is passed over the skin is relatively large given that this length equates to the axial dimension of the half-roller <b>26</b> and of the roller <b>28</b>. In addition, given the constant spacing between the fixed massage member <b>14</b> and the mobile massage member <b>16</b>, the massage effect can be uniform for the entire area being massaged.

In another example, it is possible to have the axes <b>28</b> and <b>38</b> at a slight angle with respect to one another, this angle for example being between 0 and 20°. However, the applicant has determined that the massage effect is more satisfactory when the axes <b>28</b> and <b>38</b> are parallel.

It will be noted that, in operation, the half-roller <b>26</b> of the fixed massage member <b>14</b> can press against the skin to push it towards the space <b>42</b> formed between the first massage member <b>14</b> and the second massage member <b>16</b>. In this respect, it is possible to make provision for the half-roller <b>26</b> to have a massage surface that has roughnesses and/or is made of a relatively rough material, such as rubber, silicone or alternatively Santoprene®.

The example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> differs in that the half-roller <b>26</b> of the massage member <b>14</b> that is fixed with respect to the body <b>12</b> further includes a product dispensing orifice <b>50</b> formed at its exterior surface that constitutes the massage surface. Specifically, in this example form, the body <b>12</b> includes a reservoir (not depicted) mounted inside the base <b>18</b> and advantageously filled with a cosmetic or care composition. The dispensing orifice <b>50</b> can be in fluidic communication with the reservoir through any of a variety of methods readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In this example, when the device <b>10</b> is applied to the skin in order to massage part of the epidermis of a user, it is possible at the same time for some of the cosmetic composition contained, for example a firming cream, to be dispensed in order to ally the advantages associated with compression and separation of the skin with those of local treatment using cream. Because of the arrangement of the orifice <b>50</b>, this dispensing can be directly on to the region of the epidermis being treated and simplifies the design of the device <b>10</b>. Specifically, a case where there is a dispensing orifice <b>50</b> on the mobile massage member <b>16</b> can require a special-purpose sealing element between the reservoir and the body <b>12</b> or alternatively to achieve dynamic sealing. Furthermore, positioning the dispensing orifice <b>50</b> between the fixed massage member <b>14</b> and the mobile massage member <b>16</b> can cause a build-up of cosmetic composition in the space <b>42</b>, and this would lead to soiling of the device <b>10</b>.

The example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, in which elements which are identical to those described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> bear the same references numbers, differs from the examples already described in that the roller <b>36</b> of the mobile massage member <b>16</b> includes a plurality of fingers <b>52</b> formed on its exterior surface and positioned in the form of rows spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each row of fingers <b>52</b> extends axially over the exterior surface of the mobile massage member <b>14</b>. The fingers <b>52</b> of one row can be uniformly axially spaced. The rows in this example are spaced uniformly apart in the circumferential direction. Such fingers <b>52</b> additionally can make it possible to obtain from the massaging effect improved cutaneous microcirculation.

According to yet another example depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, in which elements which are identical to those described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> bear the same references numbers, the device <b>10</b> further includes a reservoir <b>60</b> filled with a product <b>62</b>, for example a cosmetic composition, and on which the body <b>12</b> is mounted. The reservoir <b>60</b> includes a neck <b>64</b> provided with an external screw thread <b>66</b> designed to collaborate with a screw thread <b>68</b> formed in the bore of a first annular skirt <b>70</b> of the body <b>12</b>.

In order to obtain a good seal between the body <b>12</b> and the container <b>60</b> of the body <b>12</b>, the latter includes a second skirt <b>72</b>, an internal one, which fits inside a bore <b>74</b> defined by the neck <b>64</b>. This skirt <b>72</b> can also make it possible to delimit an annular space <b>76</b> for guiding the product <b>62</b> contained in the reservoir <b>60</b> towards the dispensing orifice <b>50</b>. In order to close off the outlet orifice <b>50</b> when the cap <b>24</b> is mounted on the body <b>12</b>, a pin <b>78</b> is provided on an underside of the cap <b>24</b>. The pin <b>78</b> can limit the risk of product <b>62</b> contained inside the container <b>60</b> flowing out during storage phases.

It may be possible, in another example, to provide a means that the user can actuate in order to allow or disallow flow of product to the outlet orifice <b>50</b>, i.e. to have a position in which the product can exit via the orifice <b>50</b> and a position in which the orifice is inaccessible to the product.

The example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, in which elements which are identical to those described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> bear the same references numbers, differs from the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 3</figref> in that the device <b>10</b> further includes a second mobile massage member <b>80</b> similar to the first massage member <b>16</b>. The massage member <b>80</b> can be produced in the form of a roller <b>82</b> of axis <b>84</b> which at each end has journals (not visible) intended to fit into housings provided for this purpose at the frontal surface <b>30</b>. The roller <b>82</b> in this example is produced in the form of a cylinder of revolution. On its exterior surface it has ribs <b>86</b> spaced apart in the circumferential direction and constituting a massage surface of the massage member <b>80</b> which projects on the surface <b>30</b>. The layout of the ribs <b>86</b> on the roller <b>82</b> is identical to that of the ribs <b>40</b> on the roller <b>36</b> of the massage member <b>16</b>.

The roller <b>82</b> can be mounted to rotate on the body <b>12</b> about the axis <b>84</b> which is substantially parallel to the axis <b>38</b> of the massage member <b>16</b>. The mobile massage members <b>16</b>, <b>80</b> can be mounted one on each side of the fixed massage member <b>14</b>. In this example, the massage member <b>80</b> is positioned symmetrically with respect to the massage member <b>16</b> when considering a plane perpendicular to the surface <b>30</b> and containing the axis <b>28</b>.

When a device <b>10</b> such as the one of this example is pressed against the user's skin and moved in the direction of travel perpendicular to the axes <b>28</b>, <b>38</b> and <b>84</b>, a skin fold is created between the fixed massage member <b>14</b> and one of the mobile massage members <b>16</b>, <b>80</b> irrespective of the direction of travel of the device.

According to yet another example that can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, in which elements which are identical to those described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> bear the same references numbers, the mobile massage member <b>16</b> includes a roller <b>36</b> which has an appreciably bulbous exterior surface and includes a plurality of raised sculpted patterns <b>94</b> forming waves running substantially axially over the exterior surface. The sculpted patterns <b>94</b> are arranged in the form of rows spaced apart, in the circumferential direction, substantially uniformly. The fixed massage member <b>14</b> for its part is produced in the form of a protrusion <b>92</b> which can be curved in such a way as to keep the separation between the mobile massage member <b>16</b> and the fixed massage member <b>14</b> constant.

According to another example visible in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, in which elements which are identical to those described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> bear the same references numbers, the device <b>10</b> includes a plurality of massage members <b>100</b> here produced in the form of a row of balls projecting from the surface <b>30</b>. In this example, there are four of these balls. Each of the balls is mounted free to rotate in a housing <b>102</b> provided for that purpose.

In the example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the device <b>10</b> includes a plurality of massage members <b>106</b> here produced in the form of a row of rollers projecting from the surface <b>30</b>. Associated with each roller is a housing <b>108</b>. In this example there are three of these rollers mounted free to rotate about their common axis <b>38</b>. The massage members <b>106</b> have a relatively small axial size. The device <b>10</b> also includes a plurality of fixed massage members <b>110</b> produced in the form of a row of rollers, of axis <b>28</b>, positioned on the frontal surface <b>30</b>. The massage members <b>110</b> are mounted facing the mobile massage members <b>106</b>.

Although this is not illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref>, it will be readily understood that the massage members <b>100</b>, <b>106</b> advantageously include raised or projecting elements as illustrated in the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> or <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

The example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, in which elements which are identical to those described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> bear the same references numbers, differs from the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 3</figref> in that the half-roller <b>26</b> of the fixed massage member <b>14</b> is of smaller axial size than the mobile massage member <b>16</b>.

In the example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 to 14</figref>, the device <b>10</b> includes a cosmetic composition dispensing system of the on/off type so that the epidermis can be massaged while at the same time causing the care composition to penetrate this epidermis. In this example, this function is achieved by the inclusion of a first component <b>120</b> intended to be fixed by clip-fastening onto a container (not depicted) containing the cosmetic composition and a second component <b>122</b> able to be turned with equal facility in one or other direction with respect to the first component <b>120</b> about a geometric axis of rotation Y-Y′ to allow the cosmetic product to be dispensed. The axis Y-Y′ forms an angle of less than 45°, for example an angle of a little under 10° with a vertical axis X-X′. Of course, it will be readily understood that any other on/off system can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The first component <b>120</b> essentially includes an exterior skirt <b>124</b> for attachment to the container and which is extended at an upper end by a radial wall <b>126</b> supporting a tubular extension <b>128</b> of axis Y-Y′. The extension <b>128</b> includes an annular ridge <b>130</b> and a lateral opening <b>132</b> running perpendicular to the axis Y-Y′ for dispensing some cosmetic composition.

The second component <b>122</b> for its part includes an exterior skirt <b>134</b> surrounding the extension <b>128</b> and connected to the radial part <b>126</b>. The second component <b>122</b> also includes an interior skirt <b>136</b> able to be fixed to the extension <b>128</b> via a rib (not referenced) configured to clip over the ridge <b>130</b>. The second component <b>122</b> is shaped in such a way that, in a closed position, the lateral opening <b>132</b> is closed off by the interior skirt <b>136</b> so that a dispensing orifice <b>138</b> centred on the axis Y-Y′ does not communicate with the inside of the container. In order to allow a switch into an open position, the second component <b>122</b> has to be turned through half a revolution relative to the first component <b>120</b>. This rotational movement makes it possible to create a chamber that allows the composition to flow towards the dispensing orifice <b>138</b>. For further details regarding such a dispensing system, reference may for example be made to patent EP 1 391 393 in the name of the applicant company.

The second component <b>122</b> supports a mobile massage member <b>140</b> produced in the form of a roller <b>142</b> which at each end has journals (unreferenced) intended to fit into housings provided for that purpose in the second component <b>122</b> to allow the roller <b>142</b> to rotate about its geometric axis. To allow the massage member <b>140</b> to be mounted, the component <b>122</b> has a recess <b>144</b> of concave overall shape. The dispensing orifice <b>138</b> opens into the recess <b>144</b> so that the massage action and the action causing the cosmetic composition to penetrate the skin can be combined. The roller <b>142</b> on its exterior surface has raised sculpted patterns <b>146</b> forming waves which extend substantially axially over the exterior surface. The sculpted patterns <b>146</b> are spaced apart substantially uniformly in the circumferential direction.

The second part <b>122</b> can be configured in such a way as to form, near the mobile massage member <b>140</b>, a protrusion that forms a fixed massage member <b>148</b>. The protrusion has an axial size substantially equal to that of the mobile massage member. The fixed massage member <b>148</b> includes, near its upper end, projections or ridges <b>149</b> directed towards the mobile massage member <b>140</b>. The ridges <b>149</b> are spaced apart and positioned in such a way as to form a transverse row when considering the direction of travel of the device <b>10</b> when it is being used.

In a way similar to the examples already described, a space can be formed between the fixed massage member <b>148</b> and the mobile massage member <b>146</b> so as to allow skin folds to be created as the device <b>10</b> is moved over the skin of a user. The existence of the ridges <b>149</b> on the fixed massage member and positioned in the converse direction when considering the direction of travel of the device can make it possible not only to improve the hold on the skin but also to create, in addition to the fold or folds between the fixed <b>148</b> and mobile <b>150</b> massage members, longitudinal folds between the ridges <b>149</b> thus forming additional massage means. The ridges <b>149</b> can be slightly offset downwards with respect to the top edge of the fixed massage member <b>148</b> in order to be able satisfactorily to exert pressure on the user's skin. The device <b>10</b> also here includes a closure cap <b>150</b> which clips over the first component <b>120</b>.

The example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> differs from the embodiment already described in that the dispensing orifice <b>138</b> is formed on the fixed massage member <b>148</b> and in that the mobile massage member <b>140</b> includes fingers <b>152</b> in place of the sculpted patterns <b>146</b>. The fingers <b>152</b> are arranged on the roller <b>142</b> in a similar way to the arrangement of the fingers <b>52</b> in the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. In this example, the fixed massage member <b>148</b> has no ridges <b>149</b>. The second component <b>122</b> here includes, at the skirt <b>134</b>, cut-outs <b>154</b> able to collaborate with complementary portions of a closure cap (not depicted) which has a protrusion designed to seal off the dispensing orifice <b>138</b>.

In all of the examples described hereinabove, the inter-axis distance between the half-roller <b>26</b> of the massage member <b>14</b> and the roller <b>26</b> of the massage member <b>16</b> is fixed. However, it will be noted that it is possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to provide a massage member <b>16</b> which is also able to move translationally along the surface <b>30</b> of the body <b>12</b> in order to have the option of varying this inter-axis distance and of being able, prior to use of the device <b>10</b>, to adjust it particularly to suit the firmness of that part of the epidermis that is to be treated.

It is also possible to anticipate mounting massage members <b>14</b>, <b>16</b> on the body <b>12</b> removeably, for example by clip-fastening, in order to facilitate cleaning but also in order to envisage replacing one or more massage members in order to obtain different massage effects with the same device. Thus, the device can be marketed in the form of a kit containing a number of interchangeable massage members.

By virtue of the invention, there is obtained a device provided with massage members which are able to force the skin in two opposing directions in order to form a plurality of skin folds, so as to obtain a massaging effect both by stretching and by separating the skin with a view effectively to combating the sagging of the tissues of the epidermis.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.